The Lowe’s-exclusive Klein bit holder keychain set comes with a unique-looking carabiner clip.
Most bit holder sets come with what look to be off-the-shelf carabiner clips. This one, which I’ve only see with Klein’s bit holders, has a flat bottom that could help prevent everything from bunching up.
The set comes with 4 color-coded bit holders that can fit standard 1/4″ hex power bit-style screwdriver bits, nut drivers, and other such accessories.
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You can clip the carabiner to your tool bag, belt loop, or wherever else.
As with other bit holders, the goal is to keep your frequently-used accessories easily and quickly accessible.
Price: $14.98
At the time of this posting, it seems that Lowe’s is the exclusive retailer for the Klein bit holder set
There are lots of other options. Klein’s carabiner stands out, but maybe you’re looking for something different.
Milwaukee’s 5pc bit holder set is currently $12.97 at Home Depot with free shipping.
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Dewalt’s is also now shipping, and it’s priced at $20.
There’s also Railer and many other brands (mostly unknown) available at Amazon.
You might want to add a Vessel ball grip bit holder to your set – it’s the only one I’ve seen so far that can double as a stubby screwdriver.
Wayne R.
The one I want to add to my kit is the Vessel Quick Catcher. yes, it’s more expensive (and only does three bits), but it seems to be the only one that’s intended to be easily used by one hand.
https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-QB-10B3K-Quick-Catcher-Holder/dp/B0CMQ764CT?th=1
What remains (in my mind anyway) as the ne plus ultra for hex bits is a single place/holder/organizer for the scads of bits available. For example, I just bought a set of 36 three inch bits, all in a reasonably okay case (that got a dent in it from shipping). I intend to add Wiha metric & SAE nutdriver bits too, but they’re loose. I’ve got a “book” style organizer for all the Bondhus hex bits. And this leaves out the assortment of square socket adapters too. Drill bits are on their own…and I’m sure I’m leaving out other pieces.
I sure like the 1/4 hex “environment” but it’s missing a central organizing (& portable) method. And yes, I know there are various options today but so far I find that they’re too limiting.
Blocky
I keep 3x 6” locking bit holders on the workbench. When I need to run an assembly task with multiple drives, these sit nicely in the hip pouch without turning sideways. That’s my ‘one-handed’ solution.
Matt_T
I tried searching for the Klein style carabiners when someone mentioned them in the comments. Couldn’t find any alternative sources so it may be an exclusive. Did find some Nite Ize carabiners that look like they’ll work better than the generics sold with most of these holders.
John
Unless used and rated for mountaineering, I find carabiners with a locking mechanism more trouble than they’re worth. And cheap ones (with the screw-lock mechanism) tend to strip out, in my experience.
So I like this simple design. That said, I’d wait for a sale price to buy this.
Stuart
The Klein still looks like a very cheap accessory-type carabiner, but could be convenient for this purpose.
I have a bunch of keychain accessory-type carabiners that I bought on clearance many years ago, and they’re fine for a lot of things. But if I need something reliable, brand-name load-rated carabiners start at $8-$10 for a good wire clip model.
Even if I don’t need a load-rated carabiner, there’s a world of difference in usability.
I’ve tried a bunch of carabiner brands ands styles. For attaching gear to bags, or other non-climbing and non-lifting purposes, I’m fine with non-locking spring carabiners.
Nite Ize is okay https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nite+ize+carabiner&tag=toolguyd-20 , and I use some of those where I need something smaller. But even those don’t compare to what you can get from an outdoors store for under $10.
The ones included with bit holder sets should be fine, and if not there are plenty of other options available.
Wayne R.
Of the traditional S-biners from Nite Ize, I’ve found only the smallest to stay closed well enough for me to trust them, and they do work pretty nicely. I haven’t yet tried any of the newer styles with various locks in them.
I’ve found most of the mid-size utility biners (that I’ve bought anyway) stay shut well, too – it’s just the really cheapos whose gates come apart where the problems come from.
TMedina
You might try the Nite-ize “G” style – I have yet to have anything wiggle free from one.
https://niteize.com/g-series-dual-chamber-carabiner#?&color=32
D3t
The Milwaukee carabiner seems to defy gravity.
JoeR
Yes, I noticed that as well. “Why hasn’t it settled like the DeWalt?” LOL!
That noted, I almost bought one at HD. Smoke & CO2 detector replacement took precedence.
john
Yes! That photo is clearly “staged”, and it points to the utility in Klein’s ‘horizontal’ design.
Stuart
You might be able to secure the carabiner in place like that with an O-ring or piece of Velcro strap.
Saulac
Reminded me of we used to made our own carabiners out of used bicycle and motorcycle spokes. Cut the head off, bend it to whatever shape you want, make sure that the ends are aligned and face each others, the gap between them should be less than the length of the “crew” part. Turn the screw to open or close. BTW, which of the bit holders out there are the slimmest?
Andrew
Looks like it doubles as a bottle opener
fred
Sounds like Klein (or their OEM supplier) was thinking about how to distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack. Good for them!
I’ve seen flat-bottom carabiners called “Mehlville” – and other said to be “tactical” – but nothing exactly like the shape of the Klein ones.
Peter
Might get one because I do not know how but on two separate instances one got out.
I found em but this might prevent that from happening.
ElectroAtletico
I did a hack job – took that outstanding carabiner from the Klein set and added a few bit holders from the Milwaukee. Happiness.